Thierry Henry came off the bench to rescue a point for Arsenal in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman was introduced as a second-half substitute when his team were trailing 1-0 – and fired in a free-kick to level on 70 minutes.

Thierry Henry

Arsenal pressed, but were denied by some resolute defending and an inspired display by Newcastle keeper Shay Given.

After a positive start by Arsenal and decent chances for Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas, the Magpies stole the lead on the half-hour.

Arsenal were light at the back following a free-kick, and were caught on the break. A flick-on from Obafemi Martins put Kieron Dyer into space on the edge of the area, he controlled the ball, turned and coolly dispatched a low strike into the bottom right corner.

Robin van Persie tried his luck from 25 yards for the Gunners, but his shot was straight at Given.

Emmanuel Adebayor sent a looping header over from Cesc Fabregas’ chip into area, before van Persie curled an angled shot just wide.

Van Persie had to go for treatment on his ankle following a heavy block on the edge of the area and it was no surprise when he did not reappear at the start of the second half, replaced by Henry.

Arsenal created an opening inside the first few moments. The ball broke to Adebayor and his snap-shot from close range was drilled straight at Given, who made a smart reaction save. Fabregas was next in space and his snap-shot was superbly beaten clear by Given.

With 20 minutes left, Steven Taylor was cautioned when he bundled over Henry. The Arsenal captain dusted himself down and took the free-kick, whipping it up over the wall and in off the underside of the bar.